Barriga's kin hope boxer can win gold

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – The relatives of Filipino Olympic boxer Mark Anthony Barriga are hopeful that he can end the country’s long medal drought and bring home a medal from the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Barriga’s relatives in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, watched as the 19-year-old boxer took on Italian Manuel Cappai in his first fight in London.

His brother Edmil was happy to see that Barriga made good use of his training, as he unleashed several combinations on Cappai.

Meanwhile, one of Barriga’s neighbors, Maquizo Buenaventura, compared the young boxer to Filipino fight king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

His aunt, Alma Palma, said she was praying the rosary even while watching Barriga’s fight.